What’s It Really Like to Work for a (HTD) Hire-Train-Deploy Company

In today’s digital business world, technology is a fast-growing, high-potential career path. Despite significant demand for talent, many new graduates, early-career technology professionals, and transitioning military personnel find themselves falling short when it comes to employer requirements around specific experience, certifications, and education. Those seeking to successfully launch their careers should consider working for a Hire Train Deploy company like Smoothstack. The HTD route offer a unique solution to bridge the gap between skills and experience, and connect job seekers with meaningful work opportunities.

What sets the HTD industry apart is its’ inclusive approach – individuals don’t need a formal computer science degree to get a job as an entry-level software engineer or technician. Instead, anyone with minimal coding skills, and a passion for programming, and the right aptitude for each job, are encouraged to apply to start the process.

The (HTD) Hire-Train-Deploy process at Smoothstack

Application. Once an individual submits an online application, Smoothstack’s process begins with a candidate assessment. This includes a coding challenge, a technical review with one of our recruiters and a quick course.

Quick Course. Select candidates are invited to participate in a voluntary 1-2 week unpaid training course funded by Smoothstack. This is an opportunity for individuals to gain exposure to broad-based technical skills and evaluate whether a job with Smoothstack is right for them.  This also provides an opportunity for Smoothstack to determine if individuals are a good fit for the roles we are seeking to fill. Whether or not an individual continues with Smoothstack, our training provides a head start on any tech career journey.

Employment. Top candidates are then hired as Smoothstack employees in the role of a consultant. As with any contract, the hire-train-deploy employment contract is designed to protect both parties and should be fully understood by new hires.

Training. Once hired, Smoothstack consultants undergo an 8-12 week training program (depending on the assignment), each of which are custom-designed for specific clients. Here consultants gain the skills, certifications, and experience needed to meet the client’s exact technical needs.

Deployment. Upon completion of training, Smoothstack consultants present a capstone project demonstrating expertise to the client. These net-new tech workers are then deployed, remotely or onsite, as they continue to be supported by the Smoothstack team through the length of their work engagement.

Hire Train Deploy employment benefits

There are several distinct advantages to being employed by a hire-train-deploy company vs. a more traditional employment route, working on an in-house technical team.

• Get paid to learn—once hired, employees are paid a reduced hourly wage while in training
• An accelerated learning environment lays the groundwork for a successful career
• Ability to be certified in top technologies like AWS, Salesforce, Databricks, ServiceNow, MuleSoft, or Pega
• Access to a supportive community of peers and mentors
• Opportunity to work on exciting projects with top U.S. companies or the federal government

Here’s a bit more about those benefits, and how they come together to create a truly unique professional experience that fuels career growth.

Paid, custom training programs

Smoothstack consultants are paid for their participation in our 8-12 week training program. This gives them the financial support they need to fully devote themselves to developing the right tech skills. This immersive approach produces real results. According to our clients, the skill level of our consultants upon deployment is equivalent to what other learners may gain in 2-3 years of real-world experience!

Our accelerated learning environment allows developers to jumpstart their careers much faster than their peers who take a traditional entry-level role at an organization.

Resume-boosting credentials

The completion of the training program and project work earns Smoothstack developers more than just technical experience. Consultants also have the opportunity to obtain industry and technology-specific certifications.

The coursework for our training programs is tailored to the specific technology environments of the client’s technical ecosystem, minus any IP. This means our consultants are afforded the opportunity to become certified experts in top technologies like AWS, Salesforce, Databricks, or PegaSystems.

These credentials boost the credibility and employability of Smoothstack’s consultants throughout their careers. And for those looking to obtain a college degree, those who complete Smoothstack’s training and apprenticeship program may qualify for up to 49 college credits for their experience.

Real-world experience with hands-on projects

Smoothstack consultants work directly in Fortune 500 or federal agency environments, collaborating with seasoned professionals on hands-on projects. This exposure enhances technical skills and cultivates crucial teamwork and collaboration abilities. This gives our consultants the opportunity to get their foot in the door with the top companies who engage us for talent.

Working for an HTD company like Smoothstack presents unparalleled opportunities for aspiring tech professionals. With innovative training programs, real-world experience, and accelerated career growth opportunities, HTD companies like Smoothstack eliminate the traditional barriers to tech employment.

Hire-Train-Deploy (HTD) FAQ

• What is the hire train deploy model?

The hire-train-deploy model is a workforce solution where companies recruit, train, and place talent in full-time roles. This process ensures candidates gain specific technical skills before starting their positions, bridging skill gaps for employers. By hiring first, providing targeted training, and deploying job-ready professionals, companies can quickly scale with skilled talent who are fully prepared for project demands.

• How long is hire train deploy training?

The hire-train-deploy model is a specialized workforce solution that recruits, trains, and places talent into diverse tech roles across cloud computing, data centers, technical support, fintech operations, and more. Unlike traditional training, this model combines rapid skill development with job-specific preparation, often in intensive 8- to 12-week programs that equip candidates to work in complex technical ecosystems. By hiring talent first, providing targeted, hands-on training, and deploying professionals to job sites, companies can rapidly fill high-demand tech roles with job-ready individuals who are prepared to adapt to unique industry requirements.

• Are hire train deploy training programs hard to get into?

Hire-train-deploy programs are often selective due to their competitive nature and targeted training. Candidates are carefully chosen based on potential, technical aptitude, and willingness to undergo intensive training in fields like cloud technology, data centers, technical support, and fintech. Because these programs are designed to develop skilled, job-ready professionals for in-demand tech roles, applicants must demonstrate adaptability and a commitment to completing rigorous training that typically lasts between 8-12 weeks.

• How much do hire train deploy training programs pay?

Hire-train-deploy programs typically start with annual salaries of around $50,000, with the potential to increase based on the role and specific technical skills required. Salaries vary widely across fields like cloud technology, data centers, technical support, and fintech, reflecting the level of expertise and specialization needed for each position. As candidates gain more skills and experience, their earning potential in these high-demand tech roles can rise significantly.

• How Is Hire-Train-Deploy Different from a Bootcamp?

The hire-train-deploy (HTD) model differs from bootcamps in three key ways: earning while learning, guaranteed job placement, and a skills-based hiring approach. In HTD programs, candidates are hired first, allowing them to earn a salary as they undergo intensive training tailored to real-world job requirements in tech fields like cloud computing, data centers, and fintech. Unlike bootcamps, which provide general tech training but no guaranteed employment, HTD programs offer structured paths to full-time roles, ensuring job placement upon program completion. This model focuses on practical, in-demand skills, making it an ideal choice for those looking to transition directly into tech careers.